In this post, we’ll look at solving inequalities of the form |f(x)| < g(x) or |f(x)| > g(x).
How to remove the | |
To solve such inequalities, we’ll first look at how to split such inequalities:
- If given |f(x)| < g(x), split it into -g(x)<f(x) < g(x) [Take the intersection of both to find final answer]
- Similarly, if given |f(x)| ≤ g(x), split it into -g(x)≤f(x)≤g(x) [Take the intersection of both inequalities to find final answer]
- If given |f(x)| > g(x), split it into f(x) > g(x) or f(x) < -g(x) [Take both inequalities as final answer]
- Similarly, if given |f(x)| ≥ g(x), split it into f(x)≥ g(x) or f(x)≤-g(x) [Take both inequalities as final answer]
Examples of solving inequalities involving | |
Example 1: Solve the inequality |x – 3| < 2x + 5
If given |f(x)| < g(x), split it into -g(x)<f(x) < g(x)
Hence, we’ll split |x – 3| < 2x + 5 into -(2x+5)<x-3<2x+5
-(2x+5)<x-3 x >-2/3 | AND x-3<2x+5 x >-8 |
Hence, x > -2/3
Example 2: Solve the inequality |x – 3| ≤ 2x + 5
If given |f(x)| ≤ g(x), split it into -g(x)≤f(x)≤g(x)
Hence, we’ll split |x – 3| ≤ 2x + 5 into -(2x+5)≤x-3≤2x+5
-(2x+5)≤x-3 x ≥-2/3 | AND x-3≤2x+5 x ≥-8 |
Hence, x≥ -2/3
Example 3: Solve the inequality |x – 3| > 2x + 5
If given |f(x)| > g(x), split it into f(x) > g(x) or f(x) < -g(x)
x-3 > 2x+ 5 | OR x-3 < -(2x+5) |
x < -8 | x < -2/3 |
We’ll take both (or an inequality that satisfies both answers above), which is x < -2/3
Hence, x< -2/3.
Example 4: Solve the inequality |x – 3| > 2x + 5
If given |f(x)| ≥ g(x), split it into f(x)≥ g(x) or f(x)≤-g(x)
x-3 ≥ 2x+ 5 | OR x-3 ≤ -(2x+5) |
x ≤ -8 | x ≤ -2/3 |
We’ll take both (or an inequality that satisfies both answers above), which is x ≤ -2/3.
Hence, x≤ -2/3.
Learn H2 A Level Math Inequalities
Here are the complete notes for solving inequalities for H2 Math:
- Solving inequalities using the graphic calculator
- Solving inequalities involving polynomials
- Solving inequalities involving polynomial fractions
- Quadratic functions that are always positive or negative
- Solving inequalities with functions that are always positive or negative
- Modulus Functions
- Solving inequalities involving modulus functions 1
- Solving inequalities involving modulus functions 2
- Solving inequalities involving modulus functions 3
All the notes for H2 A Level Math
Go here to find all the notes and resources for H2 A level Math.